THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE (2000 USA)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Legend of Bagger Vance—one of the best films ever made—showcases the talents of Matt Damon as Rannulph Junuh and Will Smith as an angel named Bagger Vance. Overall, it's a well told story with only a few slow spots and other than that, this movie does not miss a beat in timing, heart, dialogue, filming, and overall technique.

Storyline

During World War I Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), one of the best golfers in Savannah, Georgia, shows his patriotism by joining the Army. After his entire company is slaughtered, Rannulph Junuh returns home, disassociates himself from all previous friends and social activities, lives a completely reclusive life, and slowly begins drinking himself to death. During this time, Rannulph Junuh’s previous girlfriend, Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron), is trying to make ends meet after her father commits suicide. The Great Depression has begun; she cannot pay the bills her father left behind and decides to raise the money she needs by putting on a national golf tournament that showcases the talents of the two best golfers of the times. She needs a third golfer. A small boy named Hardy Greaves (J. Michael Moncrief) suggests she add Rannulph Junuh as the third golfer. As Rannulph Junuh begins practicing for the tournament, Bagger Vance (Will Smith) shows up and volunteers to be his caddy. He works with Rannulph Junuh to help him get back into the game and the story is ‘on’.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director and Producer Robert Redford. Thank you to Producers Jake Eberts and Michael Nozik for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:  Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill), Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch), Neskaloosa (Peter Gerety), Grantland Rice (Lane Smith), and O.B. Keeler (Michael O’Neill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One of the best films for both Matt Damon and Will Smith. Completely worth the price of the ticket and worth a re-watch.

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Ben Meyers